Retro Futurism. 1950s style!

I recently discovered an old book in my attic, a Reader's Digest book of antiques and interior style. It chronicles everything from the Elizabethan age to the 1980s! I have become obsessed with one period in particularity lately- the 1950s, 'The Atomic Age' design period. Young and upcoming householders finally could break away from the smoggy dullness of the 1940s and their parents hand me down smoke stained living room, favouring a new look for a new decade. This style became a symbolic new start and futuristic endeavour to create a clean and modern style unlike anything seen before.



The 1950s gave birth to everything science fiction inspired. Designers and production companies were experimenting with new materials and techniques including Bakelite, chrome and new electrical technology. The main influences of the decade was reflected in everything from decor to fashion, technology to lifestyle. I find it fascinating. I see it as the first age that were obsessed with pop culture, to the extent everything in the home had to reflect modern discoveries and unparallelled attempts to create a future- NOW!

Mid century industrial styles were now being favoured. No longer did up and coming couples have to rely on their parent's gaudy Victorian hand me downs and beige colour schemes. Everything from the shape, colour and texture of objects and decor in the home reflected scientific discoveries of the age. Atomic power first showcased in the 1950s and gave a great promise of power. There were also great discoveries within biological science and new forms of microscopes were now seeing the smallest molecules while sputnik 1 was launched in 1957, sending images of the furthest planets of the galaxy back to earth.  Furniture came produced lower to the ground.

This favoured a space age streamline shape. X-Ray technology was becoming more advanced, this again was represented in interior design with furniture having ever more spindly wire legs and lamps being produced to look like mini UFOs. Art Deco chrome was given a revamp, being produced to look like car engines or space shuttles against stark colour schemes like red or bright blue. Barcloth wallpaper began using graphics from other galaxies with strong geometric shapes and new plastic like Bakelite and melamine was being used on everything from kitchen counters to dishware.

I love the simplicity and stark futuristic design of this period. It's a retro vision of the future, a future that never quite panned out the way 1950s scientists and designers thought. They imagined their designs lasting forever and merely adapting not regressing into pre-1950s styles and tastes. Kitsch furniture and retro metal fixtures are a great way to add a little 1950s spice to any home. Think the Jetsons as a perfect example of 1950s kitsch. They still had a maid (synonymous with 1950s households) and the technology is only masked by design. For example classic clocks were remodeled only to emulate the future not actually have any futuristic function. Or radios were given the look of monochrome hubcaps or space shuttle fuel displays.  


Kitsch will always have a place in the home. I think what i like so much about this period of design is the full commitment consumers and designers had to the new age and the optimism that was exerted in every design element of the day. These designs and colours schemes nowadays together may be too much, but whats great about a few key period pieces is that they have enough character and modern utilities that they fit in with almost any contemporary decor. Think pop culture institutions of the time for inspiration: bowling alleys, malt shops, diners and department stores. keep colours bold, with geometric shapes or designs. Furniture, chrome, metallic or thin and wiry. Woods should be teak or clean pine. Always accessorize with the kitschest and most atomic looking gadgets that emulate the 50s. eBay to the rescue!!!

All you need is a few key accessories to bring a taste of 1950s retro future to any modern home. I've chosen 5 key accessories that most excite me about the interior. An atomic ball coat hanger, an atomic wall clock, a metal and ball magazine rack, a number plate picture frame and a retro red Rodgers transistor radio. All these items can be found on eBay. Just type in '1950s retro' for a whole range of objects to bid on and get your hands on at a cheaper price. I think the items I've chosen for my own room, add a real talking point and are all functional pieces. You can get them cheaper buying the originals surprisingly. They usually have modern repos, but I like the idea of buying an original retro item. The little car number plate picture frame adds a real 50s diner feel to any room.
                                   

 

I hope this post gives a little inspiration and explains why I love the style of the space ages so much. Its a classic period in history that still inspires interior design to this day. I think its a great way to add a little retro kitsch into any contemporary interior. Thanks for reading, until my next post have a great week! Prices below (Please note these are guide prices as I won most of the items in an auction)

Retro sputnik wall clock: £14.99
Magazine rack with ball feet: £9.50
Number Plate picture frame: £11.99
Rodgers red transistor radio: £20.99
Chrome and ball coat hanger: £8.99

Scott.x